Musicology MMus
Dissertation in Musicology MUSIC5081P
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Culture and Creative Arts
- Credits: 60
- Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
- Typically Offered: Summer
- Available to Visiting Students: No
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
The dissertation is an independent student-led piece of academic writing in musicology developed under the supervision of a member of staff.
Timetable
One briefing session, followed by five hour-long meetings with supervisor as necessary, together with self-directed study.
Excluded Courses
None
Co-requisites
None
Assessment
The standard assessments for this course are:
■ Dissertation of around 12-15,000 words - 100%
If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:
■ There is no alternative to the dissertation, but a flexible deadline and extra time can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)
Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.
Course Aims
This course aims to enable students to conduct in-depth postgraduate research in Musicology.
More specifically the course will encourage students to:
• Learn and apply theoretical approaches within Musicology
• Develop a critical understanding of the chosen topic
• Develop the capacity for more sustained postgraduate research work such as that of a PhD
• Develop written work of a high academic standard in correct and idiomatic English and appropriate formatting
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
• Plan and carry out a major research project in Musicology
• Identify research questions of sufficient depth to sustain a major piece of written work
• Critically evaluate and summarise literature in the chosen area, gathering, selecting, and assimilating complex information from sources in music and related fields
• Choose appropriate research methods and/or analysis, employing critical methodologies from current musicology in order to sustain an extended argument
• Deploy substantial knowledge of current directions in musicology, and the ability to participate in debates within the discipline
• Present research in a concise, critical and clear structure, communicating effectively